Sarazino: Ya Foy! (Cumbancha)

Singer, songwriter and producer Lamine Fellah (aka Sarazino) is a true child of the global village: born in Algeria, the son of a diplomat he lived with his family in Spain, Switzerland, Burundi and Burkina Faso; later studied in Montreal where he made music in various bands; and in '96 moved to Quito in Ecuador.

Lucky him, you might say. 

And for this melange of styles – Latin grooves, West African pop, Arabic influences and of course the pop music of Equador – Fellah also calls upon reggae legend Toots Hibbert for the driving People, Latin toaster Blanquito man for the dark thump of Mundo Babilon 2/Babylon World, and generally mashes up the dancefloor with upbeat, groove-oriented material.

All are equal in his world, which can actually be the problem. 

The result is you know Sarazino would throw a great block party when his friends were in town -- but while it would be a joyous sound you'd sometimes wonder where your host was amidst the all-inclusive/missed-anyone? revelry.

Pass.